ANIMALS
Flatworm species named after pandemic
WORDS PATRICK PESTER
Scientists have discovered a hammerhead flatworm species that looks a bit like a miniature king cobra, or perhaps an itty-bitty snake with a moustache. Researchers found the tiny creatures hunting snails in France and Italy, and they’ve named the invaders after the COVID-19 pandemic. These new hammerhead flatworms are among two newly described species found in countries that researchers believe are not part of their native range, so they were very likely introduced there by humans.